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title: Jungle Island
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Jungle Island
White sand beaches, cerulean waters, and towering palms make Watson Island feel like a tropical paradise—complete with a leopard lurking in the undergrowth. Luckily, this jungle cat is safely within the confines of the Jungle Island, which has inhabited the isle for more than a decade. And yet the story of this themed park, which houses everything from exotic birds and primates to rare plants and trees, began more than 75 years ago.
The Background
In 1936, Franz Scherr established an aviary where the exotic birds could soar uncaged, giving his South Miami park the apt name of Parrot Jungle. In the following decades, the aviary hosted some noteworthy occupants, such as Pinky—a high-wire bicycle-riding cockatoo—and several pink flamingos that appeared in the opening credits of Miami Vice. When the zoo's current owners purchased the company in 1988, they introduced new mammals and reptiles—but when Hurricane Andrew struck in 1992, they were forced to relocate. They settled on Watson Island, and in 2003, finished construction of the animal habitats and 18 acres of tropical gardens, renaming the park Jungle Island.
The Highlights
Hundreds of animals and plants from around the world call Jungle Island home. Naturalistic habitats contain mammals such as orangutans and a liger; reptiles such as American alligators and pythons; and birds such as African penguins and emus. The gardens house rare plants including cycads and African sausage trees. More than 1.35 miles of covered walking trails wind among the exhibits.
Many of these animals feature in daily demonstrations. In Winged Wonders, handlers showcase the antics of colorful parrots, the flight of vultures, and the resident 6-foot cassowary's ability to eat an apple whole. Tale of the Tiger explores the behavior of rare big cats, including four species of tigers. Alternatively, in-depth tours and encounters may bring guests face-to-face with popular primates, or deep into the Serpentarium to feed an alligator in its enclosure and ponder whether snakes could possibly wear neckties.

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title: Bin No. 18
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The breadth of the Atlantic Ocean doesn't impact the reach of Alfredo Patino. As the chef and owner of Bin No. 18, the Miami-based chef draws inspiration from the casual cuisine of European bistros while using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and contemporary technique to lend a bit of New World flair to the ever-changing menus. French, Italian, and Latin American flavors appear throughout Chef Patino's cuisine, adding a global scope to the regionally rooted dishes.
Shareable platters of imported European cheeses and cured meats are served alongside Latin staples, including octopus salad, as well as classic Italian entrees made with homemade pastas. But recreating time-honored classics isn't the only thing that Chef Patino does. He also demonstrates a willingness to experiment by fusing New and Old World influences. This culinary whimsy is evident in the kitchen's modern interpretation of a Cuban sandwich—complete with slow-roasted pork, brie, and fig sauce—which earned a spot on Food & Wine magazine's list of the Best Sandwiches in the U.S.
And much like the European bistros that originally inspired Chef Patino, Bin No. 18 features an extensive wine list. Like his menu, the wine list takes a global approach by including bottles from Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Hungary, Greece, and Austria, as well as Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, Washington State, California, and Oregon. This variety of options ensures that numerous pairing options are available for diners looking to enjoy a glass with their meal or collection of small plates. CBS Miami was also impressed by the selection, placing Bin No. 18 on its 2011 list of the Best Wine Bars In South Florida.
The Old World inspiration shines through a bit more clearly in the restaurant's décor, which skews more toward a rustic, yet refined ambiance as opposed to a nouveau vibe. Wooden wine barrels sit beside tables with avocado-green chairs, occasionally doubling as small side tables. At the same time, the collection of crystal chandeliers dangling from the ceiling adds a bit of classical elegance to the space.

Exhale Spa seeks to transform its clientele inside and out. The founding team of fitness professionals and aestheticians sought to create an environment where they could empower visitors with pampering spa treatments, invigorating fitness classes, and lifestyle education, helping clients attain a sense of control and holistic balance. Now with 19 locations across 11 cities, Exhale Spa and its signature services have earned mentions in numerous national publications, including People magazine, the New York Times, and O, The Oprah Magazine.
Exhale's signature Core Fusion classes incorporate dance-inspired stretches, yoga poses, and Pilates exercises into total-body workouts that build long, lean limbs and sturdy abdominal muscles over time. For an even more varied workout, the instructors introduce boot-camp techniques, cardio exercises, or multiplication tables to select sessions. Yoga classes present a similar amount of breadth and variety, drawing inspiration from a number of introspective and physically oriented styles. To help hasten physical transformations, nutrition and wellness coaches teach attendees about the impacts of diet. These sessions build an awareness of healthy eating habits through custom meal plans and by teaching clients how to identify the edible parts of a fruit basket.
Many of the center's traditional spa services seek to inspire confidence. Facials pamper and refine skin using everything from green tea and fruit extracts to microcurrent technology, and mani-pedis revitalize digits before glazing nails with a vibrant new coat of color. Bodywork treatments look beyond physical relaxation and focus on holistic concerns. Massage therapists can use Eastern or Western modalities to soothe overstressed musculature, and acupuncture treatments and reiki sessions jump-start natural healing processes by encouraging the free flow of inner energies.

Property Location
With a stay at JW Marriott Marquis Miami, you'll be centrally located in Miami, steps from Miami Convention Center and minutes from Gusman Center for the Performing Arts. This 4.5-star hotel is within close proximity of Bayfront Park and Miami-Dade County Courthouse.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 313 air-conditioned rooms featuring iPod docking stations and minibars. Your bed comes with triple sheeting and down comforters. Windows open to city and water views. Computers with complimentary wired and wireless Internet access are provided to keep you connected, along with 50-inch plasma televisions for entertainment. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature televisions and makeup/shaving mirrors.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy body treatments and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including a health club, an outdoor pool, and a spa tub. Additional features include complimentary wireless Internet access, a concierge desk, and gift shops/newsstands.
Dining
Enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's dining establishments, which include 3 restaurants and a coffee shop/café. From your room, you can also access 24-hour room service. At the end of the day, relax with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. Buffet breakfasts are available for a fee.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and limo/town car service. Planning an event in Miami? This hotel has 80000 square feet (7432 square meters) of space consisting of conference/meeting rooms, small meeting rooms, and a ballroom. Secure parking is available onsite.

Property Location
With a stay at Conrad Miami, you'll be centrally located in Miami, convenient to Mary Brickell Village and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Bayfront Park and Gusman Center for the Performing Arts.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 306 air-conditioned rooms featuring iPod docking stations and plasma televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with down comforters, down blankets, and Egyptian cotton sheets. Relax and take in ocean and city views from the privacy of your room. 37-inch high-definition televisions with premium TV channels provide entertainment, with wired and wireless Internet access available for a surcharge. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature deep soaking bathtubs and handheld showerheads.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. If you're looking for recreational opportunities, you'll find outdoor tennis courts, a health club, and an outdoor pool. Additional amenities include a concierge desk, babysitting/childcare (surcharge), and gift shops/newsstands.
Dining
Satisfy your appetite at the hotel's restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or grab a snack at a coffee shop/café. While enjoying a refreshing dip in the hotel pool, you can order your favorite drink at the poolside bar.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include high-speed (wired) Internet access (surcharge), a business center, and limo/town car service. Event facilities at this hotel consist of a ballroom, banquet facilities, and exhibit space. Parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.

Property Location
With a stay at EPIC, a Kimpton Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Miami, steps from Miami Convention Center and minutes from Bayfront Park. This 4.5-star hotel is within close proximity of Gusman Center for the Performing Arts and Miami-Dade County Courthouse.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 411 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Rooms have private balconies. High-definition televisions are provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature designer toiletries and hair dryers.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy body treatments and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a nightclub, and a health club. Additional features include wireless Internet access (surcharge), a concierge desk, and babysitting/childcare.
Dining
Grab a bite to eat at the hotel's restaurant, where you can enjoy drinks at a bar and dine alfresco (weather permitting). Or stay in and take advantage of 24-hour room service. Relax with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge or a poolside bar. Breakfast is available for a fee.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include high-speed (wired) Internet access (surcharge), a 24-hour business center, and limo/town car service. Planning an event in Miami? This hotel has 25000 square feet (2323 square meters) of space consisting of conference/meeting rooms, small meeting rooms, and a ballroom. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request), and parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.

Groupon Guide

Miami Guide

There are so many different things to do in Miami that even a lifetime resident of Florida's most cosmopolitan city needs a Miami guide from time to time. The city is a center of Latin culture as well as commerce and finance, and it offers many different ways for residents to relax and enjoy its sunny climate.

Art enthusiasts who are looking for something a bit off the beaten path should put Wynnwood Walls at the top of their list of Miami things to do. Graffiti-style murals that look as if they belong in the Soviet Union of old adorn its walls, and the complex features artistically embellished doors, as well as two cafe-bar-restaurants. Fans of architecture head to the Cloisters of the Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux, where medieval church architecture is preserved in a pastoral setting that is nevertheless right in the heart of the city.

Any guide to Miami must mention Little Havana, the famed outpost of preCastro Cuba that is a highlight of the city's famed Latin culture. It has far more to offer than restaurants and dance clubs, as the neighborhood is home to several art galleries. These galleries are situated on side streets that run off the main and vibrant artery of Little Havana known as Calle Ocho, or Eighth Street. The side streets are great places to sample Cuban culinary delights in small, friendly local cafes.

Miami deals are to be found throughout the city, as it has plenty of shopping areas to suit every taste and budget. The Cuba Cigar and Tobacco Shop offers handmade cigars, but it also features real Cuban-style coffee that makes this shop worthwhile for nonsmokers. Miami is known for its malls, ranging from the luxurious Aventura Mall to smaller strip malls that are anchored by discount stores and outlets.

Miami is always growing and changing, and a good Miami guide helps local residents get the most out of their bustling city.